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Re: 2012 Dieback Already?

well put wildbranch

camero does not understand the amount of corn and beans that are being cultivated here in Southern MN, Iowa, Nd, Sd, and all these other states.
there is by far more corn and beans then anything else. banging out thousands of bee hives that were strong 2 weeks prior is not because of a drought. And actually we had ample moisture in our area compared to some others.

Re: 2012 Dieback Already?

Absolutely agree. The problem many beekeepers faced with the talc powder situation this spring is ample proof of that. It is an insecticide and bees are insects. That being said, I don't think the sucking from wet soil is really likely. Generally the neonics are much safer for bees and humans than the organophosphates of the past.

Re: 2012 Dieback Already?

Originally Posted by camero7

Absolutely agree. The problem many beekeepers faced with the talc powder situation this spring is ample proof of that. It is an insecticide and bees are insects. That being said, I don't think the sucking from wet soil is really likely. Generally the neonics are much safer for bees and humans than the organophosphates of the past.

safer in low amounts, and vice versa.

maybe some of you ag folks can chime in, but seems like i've read that there are precautions taken when planting to avoid these 'dust clouds'.

it wouldn't be too hard to go downwind after a big planting, and test the soil, the ponds, ect.

i have also read that neonics build up in soil after repeated plantings, again not hard to measure.

i wonder if a safe soil level of neonic been determined?

(and considering bees tend to 'suck' water out rocks and soil rather than sip it directly.)

journaling the growth of a treatment free apiary started in 2010. 20+/- hives

Re: 2012 Dieback Already?

I haven't heard anything recently that's alarming but this business can be a bit like a poker game, the cards don't get layed on the table until early next year. I kind of believe that one of the biggest factors in whether bee losses get noticed isn't as much what's happening as who it's happening to. Getting a little restless and nervous though, i think i will head to the Arklatex next week to do some checking.

Re: 2012 Dieback Already?

main cause of losses this year? probably that a main mite treatment chemical is no longer available in the US. I have had at least 2-3 people a week call for bees to buy for the last 2 months they are saying no one has any for sale.